Fatherhood Friday: Fat(loss) Tuesdays

Look, I know this might be a little harsh but it has to be said. The weight gained during pregnancy can be understood to a point, but it got out of hand toward the end. It’s been almost a year since Will was born and the fat is still there. There’s just no excuse to keep that extra weight hanging around now and quite frankly, not only is it unhealthy but it’s downright unappealing too. And I don’t want to hear the cheap excuses about how hard it is to eat right while taking care of a baby and not being able to find the time to work out. That’s all nonsense. If you want to look better you’ll always find a way. And I’m sorry to be so caustic, but it’s time to find a way because all that fat…well, it just completely turns my stomach.

That’s why I’m hell bent on deflating this spare tire around my midsection! What? You didn’t think I was talking about my wife did you? I’m crazy but I’m not suicidal.

For you loyal Daddy Files readers you might recognize that as something I wrote when Will was just one month old. And unfortunately, it’s still true for me today. But now, just as I did then, I am coming up with a solution. Except this time it will involve all of us…or at least those of us fat enough who want to participate.

I’m starting a Daddy Files weight loss challenge called Fat(loss) Tuesdays. And I’m doing it because I am fat and I want to lose weight. There are a number of reasons I should lose weight, and the most important one should be so that I live long enough to see my son grow up. However, that is not the driving force behind my sudden need to be thinner. Nope. You know what did it for me?

I have more stretch marks than my wife. My wife who housed a human being for 9 months and then pushed something the size of a watermelon out of her vag. And I think I’m officially an A-cup. Which is never good.

So onto the contest. Here’s how it’ll work…

First of all, this contest is open to moms as well as dads. We’re equal opportunity here. It was start on April 7. Second, anyone who wants to enter has to ante up a bit. I know money is tight, so I don’t want to ask for it. But I’m thinking that in you’re not comfortable putting in a certain amount (I was thinking $25 each) then you could substitute goods or services. Like if you’re an artist or a photographer you could put in a framed picture. Or, if you’re like me with no discernible skills, feel free to offer up an American Express gift certificate.

All participants will weigh themselves on April 7. The winner will be the person who loses the largest percentage of weight by July 7. Winner gets all the prizes.

But here’s the catch and the thing I hope will drive us all and keep us honest. Every Tuesday you have to update your blog and you have to include a picture of yourself. I don’t know about any of you, but knowing that I have to post a picture of myself will keep me on the treadmill for those extra 5 minutes and keep my ass at the gym. You don’t have to include your face if you don’t want to, for those of us keeping anonymous blogs.

And yes, this whole relies on all of us taking up and sticking to the honor system. Cheaters will be shot.

The best thing is this is really a win-win on all levels. First of all, we lose weight and feel better. Also, I plan to use a Mr. Linky or some such thing on the blog so that every Tuesday after you guys post on your own sites, you can post links to your updates here. And everyone will be encouraged to visit each other’s blogs with either trash talk or words of encouragement. I prefer the trash talking. So not only are we getting thinner, but we’re sending tons of hits to each other’s sites and bulking up where it counts: unique visitors!

So Internet, what do you think? Are you in? Have I missed anything? Should I add anything? I’m all ears. So eat those doughnuts now because starting in April, we’re dropping some serious lbs.

Sarah: I’ll probably end the sign up by April 1. The $25 thing isn’t set in stone. I want to hear from everyone about whether they think that’s a good idea.

CCG: Yeah, yeah. You’re a gym rat and you look good and you beat me. Shut your yapper already! I would never train with you because I’m afraid to lose to a girl and you are freakishly strong like my wife.

NDB: I lost 30 lbs when I did a weight loss challenge a year ago, but I’ve put it all back on. It’s not the losing it I need help with, it’s the whole idea of maintaining. But yeah, I need all the tips I can get.

Why the start date so late? How about sooner? I started an intense diet/workout program a couple of weeks ago and I am doing well, but by April 7th I will be almost done (hopefully). And I don’t have my own blog to post pictures on! :o(

I am not on a blog, but for those who are doing this, I lost 15 pounds in the last 9 weeks using weight watchers online. This isn’t a plug, more of a suggestion if people want to try it . Its not too too expensive either. I haven’t been going to the gym either, just walking 20 minutes 3 or 4 days a week.

I should also note that I have a 10 month old, so this is relevant. My husband actually LOST weight when I was pregnant because he was so nervous. Gained it back and then some when she was born though.

I probably should join in on this, but my wife still has a trimester to go, so I think I will instead revel in the opportunity to pack on a few pounds and then maybe join up for round 2 of Fat(loss) Tuesday if there is one.

Teresa thank you for the extra push I needed. I did weight watchers 4 years ago and lost 35 pounds. It was the best plan ever. I was debating about trying the on line program, and going back and forth…. after reading what you wrote, I signed up on line. I hope I do as well as you are!

First, since I’m a recent reader of your site (ahhthankyou dad-blogs) I read the first part and almost crapped in my pants in fear for you since I had no idea what was coming.

Second, I also hate how fat I am. I used to be 150lbs but it turns out it was because of a disease that was destroying my intestine so I wasn’t digesting anything. After I changed my diet I gained 60lbs in 5 months.

lol…I’m still blaming the fact I quite smoking. Its been years now, but I still blame it. I actually wront a post about my weight gain on my blog last week. Ill get back to you, i just might join in the weight loss. Happy fatherhood friday. MASS ROCKS!!!!!!!

Dude, does your wife read this? LMAO! Sadly, I am already in and almost done a weight loss contest. Lent is always a good time to do one. If I make a suggestion, eat only apples and drink only chocolate milk for breakfast and lunch–and a sensible dinner. Apple for a midnight snack. Do that for like 2 weeks and you will be down 10-15 pounds easy. Good Luck!

when the post started i was getting ready to give you my two cents! lol i actually have a weight loss support blog that i started w another blogger. we weigh in on tuesdays. http://oneweighatatime.com we need some men to join lol

$25 is kinda steep, but maybe some people can offer different prizes?? i know i wouldn’t win cos it’s a serious biotch trying to lose weight w thyroid disease. lol

“I have more stretch marks than my wife. My wife who housed a human being for 9 months and then pushed something the size of a watermelon out of her vag. And I think I’m officially an A-cup. Which is never good.”

Out of her vag. Yikes. Back in ’93, way before wife and baby, I weighed 80 pounds more than I do today (which is my high school football weight – 195). Fatty, fatty co-co puff.

I hit the home gym and run every week regularly, so I’ll send some mojo your way. At this old dad age I’m at, I gotta do what I can to keep up with baby.

Well, I’d join you if I had a lot to lose. My usual winter weight will come off as soon as the weather gets better. Now, if my husband would do it, I’d put in $50! He needs to lose at least 30 lbs, and money talks with him.

He doesn’t blog, and he doesn’t exercise, but let me see how I can use this challenge to my advantage. I’ll get back to you.